How do you search divorce records?

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Quick Answer

To search divorce records, request public records from a local town hall, city hall or courthouse; make a Freedom of Information Act request to a federal agency; or use a reputable third-party agency, as DMV.org suggests. Public records encompass a variety of public information, including divorce records and marriage licenses.

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On a state level, make a request for public records by contacting the local agency responsible for managing public records, as DMV.org recommends. On a national level, request a copy of public records from the U.S. Department of State or a particular federal agency.

To search public records online, find a credible third-party firm that offers public record search services, as DMV.org advises. However, third-party services typically charge a fee for providing public record information. DMV.org features an instant public records search that enables users to access public records and perform background checks.

Public records are generally accessible to the public, allowing individuals to view their own records as well as other people's records, notes DMV.org. However, depending on the nature of the record, federal agencies sometimes provide limited information. Federal agencies may also deny requests that involve unreasonable privacy invasion. Some states impose varying restrictions according to their distinct versions of the Freedom of Information Act, which is a law that guides national public records.